“Always remember [Do not let it depart from your mouth] what is written in the Book of the Teachings [Law]. Study [Meditate on] it day and night to be sure [careful; diligent] to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise [prudent; successful] and successful [prosperous] in everything [or along life’s path; along the way].” Joshua 1:8 (Expanded Bible)

When my son was learning to read, his teacher taught him to “chunk up” the word. Rather than trying to decipher a long, confounding word like “important," she taught him to take it in chunks. Like, “im” “por” “tant." Then, take each chunk and link it back together in a way that made sense. One day while reading, I realized the same method is incredibly helpful in understanding the Bible.

Something I often hear from people who desire to grow spiritually is that they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start studying God’s word. Or, they get sidetracked, even board while reading the Bible. The solution to both obstacles is to simply “chunk it up.” Rather than setting out to read passage after passage simply for the sake of reading the Bible front to back, try reading it in very small bits and pieces. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, then choose a single verse or two. Read it, then read it again. Read it in several translations. Read each single word individually. Look up and research each word.

The key to loving time in God’s word comes when we dig deep to understand it. It becomes fun, like a treasure hunt! As the Lord brings illumination to words and begins to draw connections and word pictures, it’s like a puzzle coming together right before your very eyes. Studying the Word this way will help you understand how truly alive, powerful, and timely God’s Word is.

Does spending time in God’s word feel like a checklist item? Do you find that you tend to read mostly out of obligation? Do you feel guilty or say things like, “I know, I need to spend more time reading the Bible.” If you’ve experienced any of these, it’s important to know that God doesn’t need us spend time in His Word for His sake. We don’t have to “do for” God. He desires that we’re in the Word because He knows it’s where He can most effectively speak to us. He knows that the Word refreshes and restores. God knows that it is His inspired instruction manual to help guide us along the best path for our lives.

Remember, you serve the God who make much out of little. You’ll be amazed at how a simple verse or two can change your day, and your life. Just begin.